Specialty Polymer Manufacturers Key Terms

Learn the terms to help you understand specialty polymer manufacturing

By Catherine Ryan

Companies in a wide range of industries may find themselves in need of specialty polymers at one time or another. When you find yourself in such a situation, it's important to arm yourself and your team with some key terms to ensure that you know how to work with polymer manufacturers. Take some time to learn the following important terms: ablative plastic, bicomponent, injection molding, plasticizer, polymerization and transfer molding.

Ablative plastic

Ablative plastic is a term applied to a resin or polymer that has a surface layer which is capable of burning away when exposed to high levels of heat, revealing a new layer beneath.
Try: Go to Franklin Adhesives and Polymers to learn more about ablative plastics and other specialty polymers terms. The site also has a selection of informative news articles and technical videos.

Bicomponent

A bicomponent is what results when two different polymers extrude through the same spinneret.
Try: Foss Manufacturing Company provides an excellent definition of the term biocomponent. Peruse the company's glossary to learn a host of other key specialty polymers terms.

Injection molding

Injection molding is the process that pumps thermoplastics into specially designed molds. Once the plastics cool, the workers can remove them from the molds. Injection molding is the method chosen when you need precise molding.
Try: Learn more about injection molding from Solvay. The company also provides definitions of a wide array of other polymer terms.

Plasticizer

A plasticizer is a material added to a polymer to make it softer, more resilient and flexible. Plasticizers are an important element of most specialty polymer products.
Try: You can find a definition of the term plasticizer on The Chemical Heritage Foundation website. The site provides in-depth information about a wealth of specialty polymers key terms.

Polymerization

Polymerization is the process where monomers fuse together through a chemical reaction to form a polymer.
Try: The Acrylic Sign World can provide you with a straightforward definition of polymerization.

Transfer molding

Transfer molding is a process used primarily for thermosetting resins. During the process polymers mix with additives and heat in a pot. The mixture then moves on to a preheated mold.
Try: Molding Solutions outlines the transfer molding process along with an in-depth definition of the term. You can also gather other useful information about specialty polymers at the site.